americans and children and educators might be alive today. this measure would ban these kinds of weapons that have been so destructive and brutal in creating violence. it is more stringent than connecticut and it would have prohibited the type of weapon used at newtown. it has to be seen as one step. part of a comprehensive strategy that should include mental health initiatives, school security, and yes, background checks for all firearms sales. not just by licensed dealers, but at gun shows and background checks for all sales of ammunition. a fugitive, a felon, a gigantic, a domestic abuser can walk into a store and buy a shopping cart full of ammunition, even though he is prohibited from buying it. without any background check, no questions asked, and he can walk out with it. we must change that. newtown is a call to action and real reform. my hope is that we can seize this moment with a sense of urgency and passion and sustain this momentum. it will be a hard fight ahead. make no mistake. and always remember newtown and its victims. thank